Alvin Kamara Out of Cardinals Game

The New Orleans Saints will reportedly have their legendary quarterback back against the Arizona Cardinals, but will still be without one of the league's best offensive players.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara will not play in today's home game against the Arizona Cardinals, in news first reported by Adam Shefter of ESPN late Saturday evening.  Kamara, who played through a high ankle sprain and knee injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, sat out last Sunday's New Orleans win at Chicago with the injuries. 

Oct 6, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Kamara is the Saints leading rusher, with 373 yards and a touchdown on 86 carries over six games played.  He also has 33 receptions for 276 yards and a touchdown.  The 24-Yr. old Kamara is a key source of production in the New Orleans offense, and one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.  He is coming off career high totals in rushing yards (883) and receptions (81) in 2018, when his 18 offensive touchdowns were second in the NFL and a franchise record. 

Sixth year running back Latavius Murray will again receive the bulk of the carries with Kamara sidelined.  Murray had 119 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns, and added five receptions last week against the Bears.  The Saints now take on an Arizona Cardinals defense that ranks 25th against the run, and Murray will have the benefit of running behind the NFL's most dominant offensive line.  The Saints are also expected to have quarterback Drew Brees back in the starting lineup, according to multiple reports on Saturday. 

New Orleans has won five consecutive games with Brees sidelined after thumb surgery.  Last weekend's impressive road win over the Bears last Sunday was without Kamara, tight end Jared Cook, and wide receiver Tre'quan Smith. The Saints will again be without all three players as they host the Cardinals, winners of three straight games themselves. The injuries to Kamara are not projected to keep him out for a prolonged period. The Saints have a bye next week, and look to return their dynamic running back for their November 10th showdown against the Atlanta Falcons.